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Each of the ACLS Algorithms utilizes a number of drugs which we will classify as primary drugs. The primary drugs are the medications that are used directly in an ACLS Algorithm. Here are the Primary ACLS drugs broken down by ACLS Algorithm. Each is a link to its respective page which covers, in detail, all aspects of the medication and it use in each ACLS algorithm and in post resuscitation efforts.
Asystole/PEA
Epinephrine Vasopressin Atropine (removed from algorithm per 2010 ACLS Guidelines)
Bradycardia
Atropine Epinephrine Dopamine
Tachycardia
adenosine Diltiazem Beta-blockers amiodarone Digoxin
Verapamil Magnesium
Acute Stroke
tPA-tissue plasminogen activator Glucose (D50) Labetalol Nitroprusside Nicardipine Aspirin
The American Heart Association evaluates research and reviews existing first aid and life support guidelines to determine what changes need to be made to improve the effectiveness of procedures such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Basic Life Support (BLS), and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). This assessment of guidelines occurs every five years. Late in 2010, new ACLS guidelines were announced. Health Education Solutions (HES) will implement new modules that adhere to those standards in their courses for ACLS Certification and ACLS Recertification.
Depress the adult sternum at least 2 inches Complete recoil of the chest is required Chest compressions should be performed at a rate of at least 100/minute Checking for a pulse in an unresponsive individual now requires less than 10 seconds so chest compressions arent delayed.
Remember, mistakenly doing chest compression on someone with a pulse does little harm compared to not doing compressions on someone without a pulse.
The window of time to use thrombolytics (rTPA) is still within three hours of onset of stroke symptoms. However, select patients can be treated with TPA within four and one-half hours. Stroke care through regional systems of care and organized stroke units are recommended. The talented neurologist can pull a lot of information about acute ischemic strokes on head CT. Watershed infarcts are more difficult to identify on CT but the clinical setting is usually the most helpful in diagnosis.